Olmsted Falls City Schools Appoints Kelly Abood as New Board Member

The Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education has appointed Kelly Abood to fill a vacant board member seat following the resignation of Bob Perez. Perez stepped down from his position to serve as a trustee for Olmsted Township. Abood will complete the remainder of Perez’s term, which extends through December 31, 2027.

The board, led by President Phil Eckenrode, was pleasantly surprised by the strong community response to the vacancy. Eckenrode expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We ended up getting nine applicants, with every single one being a legitimate contender for that seat.” He emphasized the quality of the candidates, noting that the board was “really impressed and pretty blown away with the community response.”

Abood’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process where the board sought a candidate actively engaged in the community and possessing a diverse background. Eckenrode highlighted Abood’s extensive involvement in local educational initiatives, describing her as a “PTA rock star” who has contributed to various levels of the Parent Teacher Association throughout her children’s educational journeys.

Having lived in Olmsted Falls for over twenty years, Abood holds a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, and economics from Baldwin Wallace University, along with an MBA from Cleveland State University. She currently works as the customer success director at Advance Local and remains actively involved in the school’s activities, supporting teachers and volunteering for student programs.

“My interest in serving on the Board of Education comes from a deep commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality, supportive educational experience,” Abood stated. She expressed her eagerness to collaborate with other board members and district leaders to develop policies aimed at enhancing student success.

Abood’s appointment is seen as a positive addition to the board, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the Olmsted Falls educational community. With two children currently attending schools in the district, she is well-positioned to understand the needs of students and families. As she steps into this new role, Abood aims to foster an environment focused on the educational needs of all students.